GEORGE NEWS - After a spate of armed business robberies in recent weeks, it has become clear that business owners, especially in the CBD, have to be more vigilant and possibly increase security measures. 

The latest incident occurred at a hardware shop on the corner of Hibernia and Merriman streets on Tuesday morning, 28 June. Four unknown suspects entered the shop at about 07:30. 

One of the suspects was carrying a firearm and held the shopkeeper at gunpoint while the other three were looting the shop. 

The suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, electronic equipment, the shopkeeper's driver's license and the keys to his vehicle.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident and said a case of business robbery has been opened with the police. No arrests had been made by time of going to print. 

Although no information could be confirmed by George police by the time of going to print, a liquor store in Knysna Road is said to have met the same fate on Wednesday 22 June. 

It is believed that three armed men wearing masks entered the premises at approximately 16:05, threatened staff and clients with firearms and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. 

George police could not supply any further information regarding the incident.

A shop in Laing Street was robbed at gunpoint on Monday evening, 13 June, when five suspects, one carrying a firearm, entered the store and threatened the cashiers to open the cash register. 

The suspects fled on foot with an unknown amount of cash, a large quantity of cigarettes and two cellphones.

On 7 June, Fidelity security guards were robbed at gunpoint at Thembalethu Square while delivering money to a local business and in January this year George Herald reported about an armed robbery at a restaurant in York Street. 

CPF warns business owners to be more vigilant "There have been several business robberies in the past month and year leading up to now, and we ask business owners of George to be much more vigilant in their daily routines," says George Community Police Forum's (CPF) chairman, Rupert Pretorius.

Pretorius says although police have had great success in arresting suspects, the reality is that they can't protect every business at all times. 

"Business owners should take up the responsibility of not only protecting their premises, but also their staff and clients. The most vulnerable will always be the easy targets, but if you are properly prepared, you can prevent an incident," he says.

How to prepare: 

According to Pretorius poor access control, poor video footage, incomplete description of suspects, being inattentive to crime and late or no reporting of incidents to crime fighters are only some of the reasons why criminals get away to do it again another day.

• Ensure your CCTV cameras and alarms are in a working condition. "We have found that many systems are simply neglected, backup batteries are out of order, video footage is of poor quality because of old equipment and some systems are even switched off during business hours," Pretorius says.

• Test your alarms every month and ensure the system is working.

• Ensure there are enough panic buttons on your premises. Employees can also be issued with a handheld panic button. Test the buttons every month.

• Train your employees to be vigilant and what to do in a robbery situation. You should have certain protocols in place to ensure the safety of your employees and your clients. Do a live test scenario of a robbery. This is best practice and the reality of such a test incident will help staff to gain confidence should a real life robbery occur.

• Being vigilant takes practice. Incorporate it in your everyday activities and encourage your staff and family members to do it as well.

• Refrain from doing the same weekly routine to do your banking. Do not take home large sums of cash.

• Report all suspicious activity like suspicious vehicles or people just hanging around your premises. Criminals normally watch a businesses before attempting a robbery.

• Many robbers receive information from an insider. All employees should undergo a basic criminal clearance at their local police station. Ensure you know your staff and keep your banking routines private.

• Do not wait until an incident happens before you decide to upgrade security. "We have some of the best neighbourhood watch structures, security companies and communication groups in the Garden Route. Become part of your community and support and assist these structures so that they can maintain their responsibilities with the police and keep us all safe. Do a proper analysis of your business or contact us to assist to ensure your business is safe and secure," says Pretorius. 

For more information, Pretorius can be contacted by sending an email to chair@cpfgeorge.org.

George CPF chairperson Rupert Pretorius.

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